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Photo Contest – Walk and Bike to School Day

2023 Winning Photo – New Ulm Public Schools

“Our Walk to School Day events consisted of three walking school bus locations across town where parents could drop off their kids, or they could meet to walk to the various school locations. We had kids from four different schools participating, and numerous adult volunteers. Each meeting location split so there were walking school buses available to all four of the schools from all three of our starting locations. This year, we added some portable speakers that some of the adults carried with pump-up jams as well. We invited the mayor, who was unable to attend due to a personal conflict for this specific date, but who has participated in the past and is committed to participating in the future.  Anecdotally, we think we had the highest participation rate in the Walk to School Day activities that we’ve ever had.  It was a fun event!” – Brie Taralson, Safe Routes Coordinator for New Ulm Schools

2023 Runner Up Photo – Congdon Park Elementary School in Duluth, MN

Congdon Park Elementary School always goes big for Walk and Bike to School days. This year’s remote drop off was a huge success, with all the students getting a walk in before school.

Snap Photos and Win:

Walk and Bike to School Day Photo Contest

Help us commemorate this Walk to School Day by submitting your photos! For inspiration, your submitted photo should showcase your walk to school or Walk and Bike to School day events. We want to see you how your community celebrates walking!

Post your photo by October 20, 2023 to the MnSRTS Facebook page, with the hashtag #mnwalks. The winning photo will receive statewide bragging rights!

It’s takes two steps to enter!

  1. Take a photo of students walking or bicycling to school or around the neighborhood.
  2. Post your photo to the MnSRTS Facebook page by Oct. 20th using the hashtag #MNwalks.

Winner will be notified via Facebook.

Here’s what we would like to see:


Photographs that:

  • Are suitable for possible use in Minnesota Safe Routes to School materials
  • Are original, creative and include students walking/biking
  • Show students wearing masks and practicing social distancing, in accordance with Minnesota Department of Health guidelines

By submitting a photo, participants give permission to the Minnesota Department of Transportation to use the photo in Minnesota Safe Routes to School promotional materials.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Contest Rules

  1. Any costs incurred related to taking or submitting the photo shall be borne by the person submitting the photo. 
  2. You will not receive acknowledgement of receipt.   
  3. All submissions are non-returnable and shall remain the sole property of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). MnDOT reserves all rights to reproduce, publicize or to exhibit the submissions in any form of media or medium whether locally or internationally without any prior notification, payment or acknowledgment made to participants. Images submitted must not be published in any media or medium prior to entry in this contest.
  4. All entries must be of participants’ original works. Usage of third party/parties creative works is strictly prohibited.
  5. Judges’ decision is final.
  6. Winners will be notified by via their social network by the end of October.
  7. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. No purchase necessary.

Waiver and Release

By submitting an entry and participating in this contest, I agree and acknowledge that I am subject to the following:

  1. That I am the lawful author/copyright owner/authorized party of this image/works submitted.
  2. That I give Minnesota Department of Transportation and its partners the absolute rights and permission to the copyrights to use or reuse, to publish or republish, and to produce the image/works that I have submitted. The permission includes, but is not limited to, printed materials, websites and social media.
  3. That I have received the permissions to take their photograph, and submit their photograph to MnDOT for this contest, from all the models, persons and individuals whose images appear in my photograph. I have also secured the permissions from the owners of any private property or props I used in the photograph.   
  4. By entering, I agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Minnesota Department of Transportation, its respective subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, attorneys, agents and representatives, from any and all third party liability for any injuries, loss, claim, action, demand or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with the competition (collectively, “Losses”), including without limitation any third party claim for copyright infringement or a violation of an individual’s right to privacy and/or publicity right.
  5. That I have met all the rules and regulations stated for this contest.
  6. The Minnesota Department of Transportation will not authorize third parties’ use of the submitted photographs, images or works for commercial use. MnDOT will use its best efforts to prevent unauthorized use of the photographs, images or works; although MnDOT cannot guarantee that all unauthorized or commercial use of my photograph can be prevented. I release Minnesota Department of Transportation from any claims of or liability for unauthorized use of the photograph I submit as part of this contest.